Are you patient with others? Another word used for patience in this context (1 Corinthians 13:4) is long suffering. This is a word often used by KJV bible and other formal translations. So it will be safe to say that loves suffers long. This means, it is slow do get angry. Slow to blow up. Puts up with a lot.

The truth of the matter is, nobody is perfect. We all need space to grow and develop. This quality is invaluable in a variety of relationship context – marriage, parent-child, fellow believers, friends and work colleagues. When we are short tempered, we sabotage our relationships with others.

James in his letter to saints, makes a strong point. He said we should be be ready listeners, not quick to speak and not quick to get angry (James 1:19-20).

A lack of patience with others, does not allow people to be emotionally honest with us. We keep their anxiety levels up because they don’t know what to expect. They know you wear your feelings on your fingertips, so they close down. They say nothing of value to you.

This is extremely dangerous when we are raising children, simply because a hostile environment and extreme reaction shuts them down. It can also have a negative impact on your relationship with your spouse, making them hide things from you just to avoid drama.

Our Heavenly Father is patient in his dealings with us and we must be the same with others (Romans 2:4). Love is patient.

Remain strong in His grace and have a great week!

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